Excellent Cheese Ball
A creamy, tangy cheese ball laced with pimento, onion, and Worcestershire, finished with crunchy pecans—perfect for parties, game day, or a quick snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except pecans together in a bowl.
- Beat with a hand mixer until well mixed and creamy.
- Form the mixture into a ball using your hands.
- Roll the ball in chopped pecans until fully coated.
- Serve with crackers or your favorite accompaniments.
- Chill the cheese ball in the refrigerator between servings.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some crumbled blue cheese or using a variety of cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist. If you're short on time, pre-shredded cheese can work, but freshly shredded cheese typically melts better into the mixture. Adjust the amount of Worcestershire sauce based on your taste preference if you enjoy a bolder flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball is perfect for parties and pairs beautifully with a variety of crackers, fresh veggies, or even sliced meats. You can also serve it alongside a charcuterie board or with spreads like hummus for added variety. For a delicious meal pairing, serve it with Sinfully Rich Potatoes to impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Excellent Cheese Ball contains roughly 541 calories, with 28g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (67% of the Daily Value), protein (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 847mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a similar texture. However, this may alter the flavor slightly, so consider adding a touch more seasoning to compensate.
How can I make this cheese ball spicy?
To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mixture. You can also use spicy shredded cheese blends. Adjust the amount of chili powder to your heat preference for a personalized kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).